Everything is Sacred

 That is the title of a book written by Richard Rohr and Patrick Boland.  And it is the story of all of our lives - everything belongs and everything is holy.

Richard Rohr writes:

"To work up to loving God, start by loving the very humblest and simplest things.....Don't start by trying to love God, or even people, love rocks and elements first, move to trees, then animals, and then humans.....it might be the only way to love, because how you do anything, is how you do everything." 

I started this Saturday by sitting on my front porch, reading the newspaper for a while and then just sitting and looking at trees in the front yard.  And the large and beautiful Hydrangeas that have finally bloomed.  I sit in wonder and awe.  Then my neighbor calls out to me: "Good Morning, Miss Margot."  I love it.

I feel like I belong here in my home.  It has taken time after Chuck died to really embrace who I am living in this home now alone.  My dog Ginger, sits with me and there is a sense of peace and expectation that I didn't feel always.

Two weeks ago, I made the decision to stay in my home a few more years.  I am becoming comfortable with caring for the yard and have enough people to help with house issues.  Most importantly, after 17 years of living here, I finally feel connected personally to my neighbors.  Chuck was the one that everyone knew and I was the one who was working often.  Now I am home more and find ways to connect and feel connected.  Everything is sacred.

And so  - porch sitting - has become an important spiritual practice for me.  An awareness of the seasons of the year in nature and the seasons of life in me.  And the realization that everything belongs and everything is holy.

I leave soon to go to a funeral with Audrey.  It will be sad and hard to watch the grief of all who loved this man.  And yet, I know - as one who has lived through great loss - that even this belongs.  It is so good to gather together as friends and family and celebrate a life well lived and to acknowledge the deep grief that remains.  It is also good to know that God is present in it all - bringing us strength and comfort and most of all - hope - in the midst of suffering.  Everything is sacred .